Methods and compositions for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces

ABSTRACT

This application relates to methods and compositions for cleaning and disinfecting unclean surfaces that are contaminated, typically with bacteria, viruses, yeast and molds. Broadly speaking contaminated surfaces includes hard and soft surfaces such as those found in household environments, in industrial environments, and hospitals, as well as surfaces of food products such as fruits, vegetables and meat. Further, the compositions can be prepared with naturally occurring components that are classified as generally considered as safe (GRAS) by the US FDA and/or comply with National Organic Production (NOP) standards of the USDA and can therefore be used in situations where such a classification is required such as organic food production.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This Application is a divisional of co-pending application Ser. No.14/210780, filed Mar. 14, 2014, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/792061 filed on Mar. 15, 2013, which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This application relates to the problem of cleaning and disinfectingunclean surfaces that are contaminated, typically with bacteria,viruses, yeast and molds.

BACKGROUND

Broadly speaking contaminated surfaces includes hard surfaces and softsurfaces such as those found in household environments, in industrialenvironments, surfaces of food products such as fruits, vegetables andmeat, and exterior and interior surfaces of the human body that maybecome exposed to microbes. It also pertains to exterior and interiorand exterior surfaces of equipment that can be contaminated, such asthose found in the food industry or the medical equipment found inhospitals and health care facilities, as well as surfaces of implanteddevices such as catheters, prosthetic cardiac valves and intrauterinedevices.

All such surfaces are at risk of contamination if they are exposed tonon-sterile water, air. or soil or other environments where microbes arepresent.

There is a growing scientific recognition that bacterial organisms whichactively populate these common surfaces may form organized communitiescalled biofilms. Bacterial cells forming these biofilm communitiesassume a biological phenotype that is markedly different than theircorresponding planktonic (non-surface attached, or free-swimming)bacterial analogs (W. G. Characklis, “Microbial Biofouling Control” inBiofilms, Characklis and Marshall, eds., Wiley & Sons, 1990, J. W.Costerton, Ann Rev. Microb. 49:7110-7145, 1995). Biofilms are a specialform of contamination that have been shown to require as much 1000 timethe dose of routine biocides in order to eradicate the microorganismcontained within, as compared to planktonic forms.

The significantly decreased susceptibility of biofilm cells to biocideshas been documented in numerous studies. See for example: A B. Ronner,et al., J. Food Prot. 56:750-758, 1993; J. W. Costerton, supra, 1995, P.Gilbert and M. R. W. Brown, Microbial Biofilms, Lappin-Scott andCosterton, Eds., University Press, 1995; S. Oie, et al., Microbios.85:223-230, 1996; J. R. Das, et al., Changes In Biocide Susceptibilityof Bacteria Following Attachment to Surfaces, poster presentation,American Society of Microbiology Conference on Microbial Biofilms,Snowbird, Utah, 1997; C. Ntasama-Essomba, et al., Veter. Res.28:353-363, 1997, J. W. Costerton, Internat. J. Antimicrob. Agents11:217-221, 1999.

Because of the nature of biofilms, today it is common practice that inorder to treat and remove or reduce contamination, a 4-step cleaningprocess is required. This process involves cleaning the surface with asurfactant containing solution, typically at elevated temperatures withscrubbing action, rinsing of the surface with clean water to remove thecleaning agents and biofilms, followed by treatment of the surface withand antimicrobial for the required time frame, followed by rinsing thesurface with clean water to remove the antimicrobial agent and bacteria.This 4-step process is expensive because it requires, labor, energy,water and time which increases the cost of doing business. Further it isknown that this 4-step process does not prevent regrowth of the organismas the anti-microbial agent is removed through the process therebyleaving the surface available for re-inoculation, biofilm formation andtherefore the ability of microbes to grow and flourish.

Whether the contamination occurs from biofilms or free swimmingorganisms, there is a need for convenient and less labor intensivemethods for decontamination of environmental surfaces.

Most chemical products suitable for use on foodstuff or hard foodcontact surfaces do not have significant antimicrobial and microbicidalproperties. Sanitizing products which exhibit significant antimicrobialand/or microbicidal properties have historically been considered unsafeor suspect as containing ingredients which are not classified by theUnited States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) as GRAS (GenerallyRegarded As Safe) for food contact or as a food additive.

Methods and compositions that are safe for use in the food andhealthcare industry, would be particularly useful, especiallycompositions that would be acceptable in organic food production andprocessing, which require components that are Generally Recognized asSafe (GRAS) by the United States Food and Drug Administration and/ormeet the United States Department of Agriculture's National OrganicProgram requirements.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the purpose(s) of the invention, as embodied andbroadly described herein, the invention relates to a method of cleaningand/or disinfecting a surface comprising contacting the surface with acomposition comprising

-   -   an organic surfactant comprising a blend of C₄-C₂₄ saturated and        unsaturated fatty acid salts, such that the blend comprises at        least about 1-6% C₆-C₁₀ fatty acids salts, and at least about        30% C₁₂-C₁₄ fatty acid salts; and    -   an organic acid selected from the group consisting of citric        acid, tartaric acid, lactic acid and malic acid.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of removing abiofilm from a surface comprising contacting said surface with acomposition comprising

-   -   an organic surfactant comprising a blend of C4-C24 saturated and        unsaturated fatty acid salts, such that the blend comprises at        least about 1-6% C6 C10 fatty acids salts, and at least about        30% C12-C14 fatty acid salts; and    -   an organic acid selected from the group consisting of citric        acid, tartaric acid, lactic acid and malic acid.

In another aspect, the invention relates to an antimicrobial compositionconsisting essentially of an organic surfactant comprising a blend ofC₄-C₂₄ saturated and unsaturated fatty acid salts, such that the blendcomprises at least about 1-6% C₆-C₁₀ fatty acids salts, and at leastabout 30% C₁₂-C₁₄ fatty acid salts; and an organic acid selected fromthe group consisting of citric acid, tartaric acid, lactic acid andmalic acid.

Also disclosed are methods and compositions in which the components ofthe composition are generally regarded as safe (GRAS) by the US FDA foruse on food and/or are acceptable under the regulations of the USDANational Organic Production (NOP).

While aspects of the present invention can be described and claimed in aparticular statutory class, such as the system statutory class, this isfor convenience only and one of skill in the art will understand thateach aspect of the present invention can be described and claimed in anystatutory class. Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no wayintended that any method or aspect set forth herein be construed asrequiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly,where a method claim does not specifically state in the claims ordescriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it isno way intended that an order be inferred, in any respect. This holdsfor any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including mattersof logic with respect to arrangement of steps or operational flow, plainmeaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation, or thenumber or type of aspects described in the specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The accompanying figures, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate several aspects and together withthe description serve to explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 shows the log reduction vs. time of an E. coli contaminatedsurface that has been treated with a composition comprising citric acidand saponified coconut oil.

FIG. 2 shows the log reduction vs. time of a Salmonella spp.contaminated surface that has been treated with a composition comprisingcitric acid and saponified coconut oil.

FIG. 3 shows the log reduction vs. time of a Staphylococcus aureuscontaminated surface that has been treated with a composition comprisingcitric acid and saponified coconut oil.

Additional advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in thedescription which follows, and in part will be obvious from thedescription, or can be learned by practice of the invention. Theadvantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means ofthe elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appendedclaims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing generaldescription and the following detailed description are exemplary andexplanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

DESCRIPTION

The present invention can be understood more readily by reference to thefollowing detailed description of the invention and the Examplesincluded therein.

Before the present compounds, compositions, articles, systems, devices,and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood thatthey are not limited to specific synthetic methods unless otherwisespecified, or to particular reagents unless otherwise specified, as suchmay, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminologyused herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only andis not intended to be limiting. Although any methods and materialssimilar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in thepractice or testing of the present invention, example methods andmaterials are now described.

All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by referenceto disclose and describe the methods and/or materials in connection withwhich the publications are cited. The publications discussed herein areprovided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of thepresent application. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admissionthat the present invention is not entitled to antedate such publicationby virtue of prior invention. Further, the dates of publication providedherein can be different from the actual publication dates, which canrequire independent confirmation.

A. Definitions

As used herein, nomenclature for compounds, including organic compounds,can be given using common names, IUPAC, IUBMB, or CAS recommendationsfor nomenclature. When one or more stereochemical features are present,Cahn-Ingold-Prelog rules for stereochemistry can be employed todesignate stereochemical priority, E/Z specification, and the like. Oneof skill in the art can readily ascertain the structure of a compound ifgiven a name, either by systemic reduction of the compound structureusing naming conventions, or by commercially available software, such asCHEMDRAW™ (Cambridgesoft Corporation, U.S.A.).

As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms“a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearlydictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a functionalgroup,” “an alkyl,” or “a residue” includes mixtures of two or more suchfunctional groups, alkyls, or residues, and the like.

Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value,and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range isexpressed, a further aspect includes from the one particular valueand/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values areexpressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it willbe understood that the particular value forms a further aspect. It willbe further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges aresignificant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently ofthe other endpoint. It is also understood that there are a number ofvalues disclosed herein, and that each value is also herein disclosed as“about” that particular value in addition to the value itself. Forexample, if the value “10” is disclosed, then “about 10” is alsodisclosed. It is also understood that each unit between two particularunits are also disclosed. For example, if 10 and 15 are disclosed, then11, 12, 13, and 14 are also disclosed.

References in the specification and concluding claims to parts by weightof a particular element or component in a composition denotes the weightrelationship between the element or component and any other elements orcomponents in the composition or article for which a part by weight isexpressed. Thus, in a compound containing 2 parts by weight of componentX and 5 parts by weight component Y, X and Y are present at a weightratio of 2:5, and are present in such ratio regardless of whetheradditional components are contained in the compound.

A weight percent (wt %) of a component, unless specifically stated tothe contrary, is based on the total weight of the formulation orcomposition in which the component is included.

As used herein, the term “biofilm” or “biofilm EPS” refers to anaggregate of microorganisms in which cells adhere to each other on asurface. These adherent cells are frequently embedded within aself-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substance (EPS), agenerally sticky rigid structure of polysaccharides, DNA, and otherorganic contaminants. A biofilm layer is anchored firmly to a surfaceand provides a protective environment in which microorganisms grow.Bacteria, viruses, yeasts, molds, and fungi contained in the biofilmscan become dormant and therefore reduce their uptake of nutrients and/orantimicrobial agents. Biofilms have been found to be involved in a widevariety of microbial infections in the body, such as urinary tractinfections, catheter infections, middle-ear infections, formation ofdental plaque, gingivitis, coating contact lenses, and serious andpotentially lethal processes such as endocarditis, infections in cysticfibrosis, and infections of permanent indwelling devices such as jointprostheses and heart valves. Bacterial biofilms may impair cutaneouswound healing and reduce topical antibacterial efficiency in healing ortreating infected skin wounds. Biofilms are also present on the removedtissue of 80% of patients undergoing surgery for chronic sinusitis.Biofilms can also be formed on the inert surfaces of implanted devicessuch as catheters, prosthetic cardiac valves and intrauterine devices.

Additional discussions of biofilms are found in the following which areincorporated herein by reference:

-   -   Hall-Stoodley L, Costerton J W, Stoodley P (February 2004).        “Bacterial biofilms: from the natural environment to infectious        diseases”. Nature Reviews. Microbiology 2 (2): 95-108.    -   Lear, G; Lewis, G D (editor) (2012). Microbial Biofilms: Current        Research and Applications. Caister Academic Press. ISBN        978-1-904455-96-7.    -   Stewart P S, Costerton J W (July 2001). “Antibiotic resistance        of bacteria in biofilms”. Lancet 358 (9276): 135-8.    -   Parsek M R, Singh P K (2003). “Bacterial biofilms: an emerging        link to disease pathogenesis”. Annual Review of Microbiology 57:        677-701.    -   Sanclement J, Webster P, Thomas J, Ramadan H (2005). “Bacterial        biofilms in surgical specimens of patients with chronic        rhinosinusitis”. Laryngoscope 115 (4): 578-82.    -   Ramadan H H, Sanclement J A, Thomas J G (March 2005). “Chronic        rhinosinusitis and biofilms”. Otolaryngology—Head and Neck        Surgery 132 (3): 414-7.    -   Bendouah Z, Barbeau J, Hamad W A, Desrosiers M (June 2006).        “Biofilm formation by Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas        aeruginosa is associated with an unfavorable evolution after        surgery for chronic sinusitis and nasal polyposis”.        Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery 134 (6): 991-6.    -   Lynch A S, Robertson G T (2008). “Bacterial and fungal biofilm        infections”. Annual Review of Medicine 59: 415-28.    -   Allison, D. G. (2000). Community structure and co-operation in        biofilms. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press. ISBN        0-521-79302-5.    -   Lynch, James F.; Lappin-Scott, Hilary M.; Costerton, J. W.        (2003). Microbial biofilms. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University        Press. ISBN 0-521-54212-X.    -   Fratamico, M. (2009). Biofilms in the food and beverage        industries. Woodhead Publishing Limited. ISBN 978-1-84569-477-7.

As used herein, the term “antimicrobial” refers to an agent or aproperty of an agent that kills microorganisms or inhibits their growth.The microorganisms may be bacteria, fungi, viruses, or parasites such asprotozoa. The antimicrobial agent can be referred to as a biocide,bactericide, slimicide, algicide, fungistat, mildewstat, and the like,depending on the organism that is killed or inhibited by the agent.

As used herein, the term “slime” refers to a layer of biofilm or biofilmEPS.

As used herein, the term “natural oil” refers to any of the ediblevegetable oils derived from natural sources and includes coconut oil,palm oil, soybean oil, corn oil canola (rapeseed) oil, peanut oil,safflower oil, cotton seed sunflower oil and the like. The natural oilsmay be optionally hydrogenated.

As used herein, the term “environmental surface” includes washable hard,nonporous surfaces found in hospitals, medical and dental offices,nursing homes, health care facilities, ultrasonic baths (ultrasoniccleaning units), federally inspected food processing facilities,federally inspected meat and poultry plants, wineries, breweries,beverage manufacturing facilities, dairy farms, swine farms, poultry andturkey farms, farm premises, hatcheries, refrigerated trucks, kennels,pet animal quarters, zoos, pet shops, animal laboratories, veterinaryfacilities, animal care facilities, transportation terminals, hotels andmotels, factories, business and office buildings, barber shops, salons,boats, ships, campers, trailers, mobile homes, homes, kitchens,bathrooms, household areas, cars, buses, trains, taxis, airplanes,restaurants, bars, cafeterias, institutional kitchens, food preparationand storage areas, convenience stores, food storage areas, tattooparlors, public rest rooms, institutions, schools and colleges, athleticfacilities, sports facilities, gym rooms, locker rooms, dressing rooms,shower and bath areas, exercise equipment, large, inflatable, nonporousplastic and rubber structures (animals, promotional items, moonwalk,slides, obstacle course play equipment, exercise equipment and wrestlingmats.

Examples of such surfaces include medical machines (X-ray, MRIs, CATscanners and the like), noncritical medical devices and equipmentsurfaces; steam sterilizer water reservoirs, steam sterilizer waterreservoir tubing; water reservoir tanks, water reservoir pipes, tanks,and piping systems used in food processing; floors, walls, countertops,stovetops, sinks, appliances, refrigerators (exteriors), plastic andother nonporous cutting boards and chopping blocks; coolers, ice chests;nonresidential refrigerator bins (exteriors) for meat, fruit, vegetableand egg; food processing equipment (k-pac equipment, injectors, slicers,knives, steel mesh gloves, deboners, saws, grinders, cutters, racks,dairy equipment, interlocking belts, outside surfaces of kitchenequipment, beer fermentation and holding tanks, brewery pasteurizers,wine fermentation tanks, beverage dispensing equipment, beveragetransfer lines, bottling or premix dispensing equipment); drinking watercoolers, ice making machines, transfer line tubing, water lines,watering systems, farm animal nipple drinkers; cabinets, highchairs,garbage cans, garbage storage areas, refrigerated storage and displayequipment (exteriors), tables, picnic tables (non-wooden andfinished/sealed or painted), outdoor furniture, chairs, desks,telephones, doorknobs, shower stalls, tubs and glazed tiles, whirlpoolbathtubs, bathtubs, sinks, urinals, exterior toilet bowl surfaces, otherbathroom fixtures; kennel runs, cages, waterers and feeders, automaticfeeders, hauling equipment, dressing plants, loading equipment,farrowing barns and related areas (nursery blocks, creep areas), chutes,feed racks, mangers, troughs, fountains and waterers, forks, shovels,scrapers, barns, pens, stalls, facilities and fixtures occupied ortraversed by animals, hatchery areas (egg receiving and holding, setterroom, tray dumping, chick holding, processing and loading), trays,buggies, racks, egg flats, poultry buildings, ceilings, sidewalls andfloors, drinkers and other poultry house related equipment; coils anddrain pans of air conditioning and refrigeration equipment and heatpumps, conductive flooring; nonporous salon/barber tools and instruments(combs, brushes, scissors, blades, pedicure and manicure instruments,pedicure and manicure tubs); and other hard nonporous surfaces that aremade of metal, stainless steel, glazed porcelain, glazed ceramic, sealedstone, hard fiberglass (bathtubs, tubs, shower stalls, and sinks),plastic (such as polystyrene, polypropylene), glazed porcelain tiling,enameled surfaces, finished/sealed and painted woodwork, finishedfloors, Formica®, vinyl and plastic upholstery and the like.

As used herein, the term “Clean-in-Place Technology” or “CIP” refers toindustrial methods and equipment for cleaning the interior surfaces ofprocessing vessels, pipes, and associated hardware, without thenecessity of disassembling the equipment. CIP is frequently used inprocessing plants to clean pipes, storage tanks, workspaces andconveyance systems between production cycles of different food stuffsand products. Industries and equipment that utilize Clean-in-Place (CIP)technology include those that require frequent and high quality ofcleaning and sanitation, such as: brewing, dairy, pharmaceutical,beverage, processed foods, and cosmetics. CIP systems are designed tofit the specific needs of the equipment and may utilize high pressureturbulent gas flow, high flow-rate solvent, reverse flow valves, highpressure or energy spray, high or elevated temperature, application ofchemical detergents and filtration sampling systems and sensors.

As used herein, the term “organic acid” is refers to any carboxylicacid, including those which are derived from sources in nature, such asacetic, citric acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, lactic acid and thelike.

As used herein, the term “NOP” refers to the USDA National OrganicProgram which sets regulations and guidance on certification,production, handling, and labeling of USDA organic products.

As used herein, the term “GRAS” pertains to a substance that isclassified by regulatory agencies as “generally recognized as safe”under the conditions of its intended use.

As used herein, the term “organic surfactant” refers to a surfactant ora blend of surfactants derived from saponification of a natural oil, andincludes saponified coconut oil, saponified palm oil, and the like.These surfactants are typically salts of fatty carboxylic acids(carboxylates) with a chain length of from four to twenty-two carbons.The can fully saturated or partially unsaturated. The organicsurfactants can be individual salts of a single fatty acid, or a blendof several fatty acid salts.

As used herein, the term “food and beverage industry” refers toindustrial and agricultural activities in which food and beverages areprepared, processed and stored, and includes meat and poultry plants,wineries, breweries, beverage manufacturing facilities, dairy farms,swine farms, poultry and turkey farms, farm premises, hatcheries,refrigerated trucks, restaurants, bars, cafeterias, institutionalkitchens, convenience stores food preparation areas, food storage areasand food service areas.

As used herein, the term “disinfecting agent” or “disinfectant” refersto a substance with the ability to kill or destroy microorganisms from asurface by direct contact.

As used herein, the term “medical machines” refers to X-ray machines,MRIs, CAT scanners, dental unit water lines, catheters, prostheticcardiac valves and intrauterine devices and the like, as well asnoncritical medical devices and equipment surfaces.

As used herein, the term “organic agriculture”, “organic production”,“organic farming”, or “organically grown” refers to methods of foodproduction which do not involve the use of synthetic pesticides,fertilizers, and in which producers can be certified for adhering tostandards and requirements stipulated by the appropriate regulatingbody, such as the USDA National Organic Program (NOP. For example, inthe United States, organic producers comply with the “National List ofAllowed and prohibited Substances” which identifies substances which maybe used and the non-synthetic substances that cannot be used in organicproduction.

As used herein, the term “protein surface” refers to meat surfaces,including animal carcasses such beef, swine and poultry carcasses; andthe skin surface and surface of butchered cuts of meat. It also refersto exterior and interior surfaces of the human body that may becomeexposed to microorganisms, such as skin surfaces, especially in andaround wounds, the thoracic cavity, the abdominal cavity, synovialspaces, urinary bladder, lungs, sinus cavities, external auditory canal,oral pharynx, pericardial space, and the like.

As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” means that thesubsequently described event or circumstance can or cannot occur, andthat the description includes instances where said event or circumstanceoccurs and instances where it does not.

As used herein, “kit” means a collection of at least two componentsconstituting the kit. Together, the components constitute a functionalunit for a given purpose. Individual member components may be physicallypackaged together or separately. For example, a kit comprising aninstruction for using the kit may or may not physically include theinstruction with other individual member components. Instead, theinstruction can be supplied as a separate member component, either in apaper form or an electronic form which may be supplied on computerreadable memory device or downloaded from an internet website, or asrecorded presentation.

As used herein, “instruction(s)” means documents describing relevantmaterials or methodologies pertaining to a kit. These materials mayinclude any combination of the following: background information, listof components and their availability information (purchase information,etc.), brief or detailed protocols for using the kit, trouble-shooting,references, technical support, and any other related documents.Instructions can be supplied with the kit or as a separate membercomponent, either as a paper form or an electronic form which may besupplied on computer readable memory device or downloaded from aninternet website, or as recorded presentation. Instructions can compriseone or multiple documents, and are meant to include future updates.

The terms “hydrolysable group” and “hydrolysable moiety” refer to afunctional group capable of undergoing hydrolysis, e.g., under basic oracidic conditions. Examples of hydrolysable residues include, withoutlimitation, acid halides, activated carboxylic acids, and variousprotecting groups known in the art (see, for example, “Protective Groupsin Organic Synthesis,” T. W. Greene, P. G. M. Wuts, Wiley-Interscience,1999).

Compounds described herein can contain one or more double bonds and,thus, potentially give rise to cis/trans (E/Z) isomers, as well as otherconformational isomers. Unless stated to the contrary, the inventionincludes all such possible isomers, as well as mixtures of such isomers.

Unless stated to the contrary, a formula with chemical bonds shown onlyas solid lines and not as wedges or dashed lines contemplates eachpossible isomer, e.g., each enantiomer and diastereomer, and a mixtureof isomers, such as a racemic or scalemic mixture. Compounds describedherein can contain one or more asymmetric centers and, thus, potentiallygive rise to diastereomers and optical isomers. Unless stated to thecontrary, the present invention includes all such possible diastereomersas well as their racemic mixtures, their substantially pure resolvedenantiomers, all possible geometric isomers, and pharmaceuticallyacceptable salts thereof. Mixtures of stereoisomers, as well as isolatedspecific stereoisomers, are also included. During the course of thesynthetic procedures used to prepare such compounds, or in usingracemization or epimerization procedures known to those skilled in theart, the products of such procedures can be a mixture of stereoisomers.

Many organic compounds exist in optically active forms having theability to rotate the plane of plane-polarized light. In describing anoptically active compound, the prefixes D and L or R and S are used todenote the absolute configuration of the molecule about its chiralcenter(s). The prefixes d and l or (+) and (−) are employed to designatethe sign of rotation of plane-polarized light by the compound. Forexample, a compound prefixed with (−) or l meaning that the compound islevorotatory or a compound prefixed with (+) or d meaning that thecompound is dextrorotatory. For a given chemical structure, thesecompounds, called stereoisomers, are identical except that they arenon-superimposable mirror images of one another. A specific stereoisomercan also be referred to as an enantiomer, and a mixture of such isomersis often called an enantiomeric mixture. A 50:50 mixture of enantiomersis referred to as a racemic mixture. Many of the compounds describedherein can have one or more chiral centers and therefore can exist indifferent enantiomeric forms. If desired, a chiral carbon can bedesignated with an asterisk (*). When bonds to the chiral carbon aredepicted as straight lines in the disclosed formulas, it is understoodthat both the (R) and (S) configurations of the chiral carbon, and henceboth enantiomers and mixtures thereof, are embraced within the formula.As is used in the art, when it is desired to specify the absoluteconfiguration about a chiral carbon, one of the bonds to the chiralcarbon can be depicted as a wedge (bonds to atoms above the plane) andthe other can be depicted as a series or wedge of short parallel linesis (bonds to atoms below the plane). The Cahn-Ingold-Prelog system canbe used to assign the (R) or (S) configuration to a chiral carbon.

Compounds described herein comprise atoms in both their natural isotopicabundance and in non-natural abundance. The disclosed compounds can beisotopically-labeled or isotopically-substituted compounds identical tothose described, but for the fact that one or more atoms are replaced byan atom having an atomic mass or mass number different from the atomicmass or mass number typically found in nature. Examples of isotopes thatcan be incorporated into compounds of the invention include isotopes ofhydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorous, fluorine and chlorine,such as ²H, ³H, ¹³C, ¹⁴C, ¹⁵N, ¹⁸O, ¹⁷O, ³⁵S, ¹⁸F and ³⁶Cl,respectively. Compounds further comprise prodrugs thereof, andpharmaceutically acceptable salts of said compounds or of said prodrugswhich contain the aforementioned isotopes and/or other isotopes of otheratoms are within the scope of this invention. Certainisotopically-labeled compounds of the present invention, for examplethose into which radioactive isotopes such as ³H and ¹⁴C areincorporated, are useful in drug and/or substrate tissue distributionassays. Tritiated, i.e., ³H, and carbon-14, i.e., ¹⁴C, isotopes areparticularly preferred for their ease of preparation and detectability.Further, substitution with heavier isotopes such as deuterium, i.e., ²H,can afford certain therapeutic advantages resulting from greatermetabolic stability, for example increased in vivo half-life or reduceddosage requirements and, hence, may be preferred in some circumstances.Isotopically labeled compounds of the present invention and prodrugsthereof can generally be prepared by carrying out the procedures below,by substituting a readily available isotopically labeled reagent for anon-isotopically labeled reagent.

Certain materials, compounds, compositions, and components disclosedherein can be obtained commercially or readily synthesized usingtechniques generally known to those of skill in the art. For example,the starting materials and reagents used in preparing the disclosedcompounds and compositions are either available from commercialsuppliers such as Aldrich Chemical Co., (Milwaukee, Wis.), AcrosOrganics (Morris Plains, N.J.), Fisher Scientific (Pittsburgh, Pa.), orSigma (St. Louis, Mo.) or are prepared by methods known to those skilledin the art following procedures set forth in references such as Fieserand Fieser's Reagents for Organic Synthesis, Volumes 1-17 (John Wileyand Sons, 1991); Rodd's Chemistry of Carbon Compounds, Volumes 1-5 andSupplementals (Elsevier Science Publishers, 1989); Organic Reactions,Volumes 1-40 (John Wiley and Sons, 1991); March's Advanced OrganicChemistry, (John Wiley and Sons, 4th Edition); and Larock'sComprehensive Organic Transformations (VCH Publishers Inc., 1989).

Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that anymethod set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps beperformed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim doesnot actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is nototherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that thesteps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way intended thatan order be inferred, in any respect.

This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation,including: matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps oroperational flow; plain meaning derived from grammatical organization orpunctuation; and the number or type of embodiments described in thespecification.

B. Compositions

1. Example Compositions

An antimicrobial composition of the invention is a blend of an organicacid such as, but not limited to, citric acid, tartaric acid, lacticacid and malic acid, and a surfactant mixture comprising salts of fattyacids.

The mixture of fatty acids salts can be the direct saponificationproducts of a natural oil such as coconut oil or palm oil, such that themixture of salts comprises at least from about 1 to about 6% of C₆-C₁₀fatty acids salts, (salts of caproic, caprylic, and capric acid), and atleast about 30% of C₁₂-C₁₄ acid salts (salts of lauric and myristicacid). An example of such a mixture is that obtained from saponifiedcoconut oil which comprises salts of the following saturated fattyacids: butyric acid, caproic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, lauricacid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, steric acid, eicosanoic acid,docosanoic acid and tetracosanoic acid; salts of the followingmono-unsaturated fatty acids: palmitoleic acid, oleic acid, eicosenoicacid, erucic acid, and tetrecoseinaoic acid; and the followingpolyunsaturated fatty acids: linoleic acid, linolenic acid, eleostericacid, arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosatetraenoic acid,docosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid.

Alternatively, the surfactant mixture can be fatty acid salts that is ablend of the individual C₄-C₂₄ saturated and unsaturated fatty acidsalts, provided that the blend comprises at least from about 1 to about6% of C₆-C₁₀ fatty acids salts, (salts of caproic, caprylic, and capricacid), and at least about 30% of C₁₂-C₁₄ acid salts (salts of lauric andmyristic acid).

The compositions can be prepared from individual aqueous solutions ofthe organic acid and surfactants, in a ratio of organic acid tosurfactant of from about 2:1 to about 10:1 and diluted so that thecomposition of the aqueous antimicrobial composition comprises fromabout 40% to about 99% water.

An embodiment of this aspect is an aqueous antimicrobial compositioncomprising about 10% citric acid, about 2% saponified coconut oil andabout 88% water.

Alternatively, the organic acid and surfactants may be dry blended in aratio of organic acid to surfactant of from about 2:1 to about 10:1 toform a solid antimicrobial composition, and then added to water so thatthe aqueous antimicrobial composition of the solution comprises from 40%to about 99% water.

An embodiment of this aspect is an solid antimicrobial compositioncomprising 83% citric acid solid and 17% saponified coconut oil, as thesodium or potassium salt or blends thereof.

The water used for the compositions or forming the aqueous solutions ofthe compositions is selected based on the end use of the composition.The water source can be normal potable tap water, distilled water, ordeionized, sterile (microbe-free) water.

The compositions in this ratio deliver the desired enhancedantimicrobial activity on cleaned surfaces as well as on uncleanedsurfaces in the presence of soils, biological materials, and biofilms.

Saponification of natural oils is a well-known procedure known in theart, representing a basic hydrolysis reaction of the triglycerides toproduce fatty acid salts and glycerol The base used for the hydrolysiscan be sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, lithium hydroxide, calciumhydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, zinc hydroxide and the like, theselection of which determines which cation is associated with the fattyacid carboxylate. Interchange of cations can also be accomplished bysingle displacement reactions and by ion exchange columns.

It is to be understood that the compositions of the invention can haveany of the possible cations associated with the fatty acid salts andthat the choice will depend on the aqueous solubility and the desiredconcentration of the organic acid and surfactant in water.

The compositions of the invention may also include one or more furtheroptional constituents such as known art additives. By way ofnon-limiting example, such constituents include: water soluble and ordispersible inerts such as silica dioxide or titanium dioxide, furthersurfactants, particularly surfactants which are useful for the removalof greasy soils, foaming agents and foam stabilizers, coloring agents,including dyes and pigment compositions, fragrances (whether natural orsynthetically produced), fragrance adjuvants and/or fragrancesolubilizers, viscosity modifying agents including thickeners or gellingagents, pH adjusting agents, pH buffers, antioxidants, water softeningagents, further solubilizing agents which might be useful in thesolubilization of one or more of the constituents in water, preservativecompositions, as well as other known art additives not particularlyelucidated here. Such constituents as described above include known artcompositions, including those described in McCutcheon's Detergents andEmulsifiers, North American Edition, 1991; Kirk-Othmer, Encyclopedia ofChemical Technology, 3rd Ed., Vol. 22, pp. 346-387, the contents ofwhich are herein incorporated by reference.

The compositions are useful for cleaning and disinfecting uncleansurfaces that are contaminated, typically with bacteria, viruses, yeastand molds and like. Broadly speaking contaminated surfaces include hardsurfaces such as those found in household environments, in industrialenvironments, surfaces of food products such as fruits, vegetables andmeat, and exterior and interior surfaces of the human body that maybecome exposed to microbes. The compositions are also useful forcleaning and disinfecting contaminated soft surfaces such as textilescomprised of natural fibers, synthetic fibers, or blends thereof. Inaddition, the compositions are useful for cleaning interior and exteriorsurfaces of equipment that are can become contaminated, such as thosefound in the food industry or on the medical equipment found inhospitals and health care facilities, as well as surfaces of implanteddevices such as catheters, prosthetic cardiac valves and intrauterinedevices.

All such surfaces are at risk of contamination if they are exposed tonon-sterile water, air or soil or other environments where microbes arepresent.

Generally, the disclosed compositions exhibit antimicrobial activityagainst gram positive bacteria, gram negative bacteria, viruses, yeast,parasites, rickettsia and molds. Further, the antimicrobial formulationis effective against gram positive bacteria, gram negative bacteria,viruses, yeast, parasites, rickettsia and molds in the presence ofbiofilms, as well as when the microorganisms are incorporated into or apart of biofilms and an associated biofilm matrix.

The disclosed compositions can also be used for eliminating infectionsin the thoracic cavity, abdominal cavity, synovial spaces, urinarybladder, lungs, sinus cavities, external auditory canal, oral pharynx,pericardial space, and the like, by microorganisms and viruses. Inparticular the compositions may be used for elimination of infectionsincluding pathogenic microorganisms including Gram negative and positivebacteria, yeast, fungi, rickettsia and the like as well as normallynonpathogenic microorganisms present in the body cavities or spaces,which spaces or cavities do not normally harbor or support the growth ofsuch organisms.

C. Formulations of the Compositions

Also disclosed herein are formulations and kits of the antimicrobialcompositions.

The solid antimicrobial composition can be prepared several ways but notlimited to physical mixing of the materials and spray drying to formpowders, which can be further converted to formulated as pastes, gels,hard compressed tablets, or by addition of water and other additivesknown in the art, formulated as liquid concentrates. Any of theseformulations can be containerized either in small consumer-friendlypackaging or larger, bulk institutional sizes (5-20 lb. pails). Inaddition, premeasured quantities of the dry powders can be packaged inwater soluble sachets that dissolve in the presence of water, releasingthe materials to form the solution of the antimicrobial composition,such as those provided by Castle Dome Solutions (Castle Dome Solutions,12426 E. County 8th Street, Yuma, Ariz. 85367) in premeasured quantitiesfor ease of use and dispensing.

The antimicrobial composition may be formulated in aqueous solutionalong with water soluble and or dispersible inerts such as silicadioxide or titanium dioxide, further surfactants, foaming agents andfoam stabilizers, defoaming agents, coloring agents, including dyes andpigment compositions, fragrances (whether natural or syntheticallyproduced), fragrance adjuvants and/or fragrance solubilizers, viscositymodifying agents including thickeners or gelling agents, pH adjustingagents, pH buffers, antioxidants, water softening agents, furthersolubilizing agents which might be useful in the solubilization of oneor more of the constituents in water, preservative compositions, as wellas other known art additives not particularly elucidated here.

The compositions can be included in kits that contain premeasuredquantities of the antimicrobial solution or the solid composition, alongwith optional additional materials suitable for the intended end use,such as instructions, appropriate cleaning devices and equipment,deionized water, spray bottles, toweling, applicators, brushes, and thelike.

D. Methods of Using the Compositions

The utility of the compositions described herein is as antimicrobials,when prepared in aqueous solution and applied to an unclean,contaminated surface.

The anti-microbial solution can be applied to pre-cleaned surfaces byseveral methods. Several non-limiting examples include the following:

-   -   flood application in which the antimicrobial solution is poured        directly on the surface, followed by rinsing and the excess        removed after a time sufficient to disinfect the surface, for        example from about 30 seconds to about 5 minutes, via a rag or        cloth or by suction.    -   spray application from a low pressure applicator such as a        consumer spray bottle such as those offered by M. Jacob & Sons        followed by rinsing, with the excess being removed after a time        sufficient to disinfect the surface, for example from about 30        seconds to about 5 minutes, by wiping with a cloth or rag or via        suction.    -   high pressure application through a pressure washing system such        as those provided by Karcher followed by rinsing and removed        after a time sufficient to disinfect the surface, for example        from about 30 seconds to about 5 minutes, via rinsing or        suction.    -   clean-in-place (CIP) technology that is used in the food and        beverage industry    -   foam application directly to the surfaces followed by rinsing        and the excess removed after a time sufficient to disinfect the        surface, for example from about 30 seconds to about 5 minutes,        by wiping, rinsing, or suction.

Similarly, the anti-microbial solution can be applied to uncleanedsurfaces that contain, dirt, grime and biofilms in several methods. Somenon-limiting examples include the following:

-   -   flood application in which the antimicrobial solution is poured        directly on the surface, followed by rinsing and the excess        removed after a time sufficient to disinfect the surface, for        example from about 30 seconds to about 5 minutes, via a rag or        cloth or by suction.    -   spray application from a low pressure applicator such as a        consumer spray bottle such as those offered by M. Jacob & Sons        followed by rinsing with the excess being removed after a time        sufficient to disinfect the surface, for example from about 30        seconds to about 5 minutes, by wiping with a cloth or rag or via        suction.    -   high pressure application through a pressure washing system such        as those provided by Karcher followed by rinsing and removed        after a time sufficient to disinfect the surface, for example        from about 30 seconds to about 5 minutes, via rinsing or        suction.    -   clean-in-place technology that is used in the food and beverage        industry.    -   foam application directly to the surfaces and removed after the        a time sufficient to disinfect the surface, for example from        about 30 seconds to about 5 minutes, by wiping, rinsing, or        suction.    -   as a part of the sterilization sequence for medical devices.    -   added to sonication baths, cleaning trays, and cleaning        apparatus for medical devices that are contaminated with human        body fluids and materials.    -   incorporated into dishwashing regimes to provide sanitation for        restaurant, institutional, hospitality, and catering operations.    -   carcass washes where the animal carcass is dipped in the        solution for a time sufficient to disinfect the surface, for        example from about 30 seconds to about 5 minutes, and then        removed and rinsed prior to further processing.    -   as a general fruit and vegetable wash in which the fruit and        vegetables are sprayed or immersed in the solution for the a        time sufficient to disinfect the surface, for example from about        30 seconds to about 5 minutes, and the rinsed for further        processing.

The anti-microbial solution can also be applied to pre-cleaned surfacesin several methods and not removed after application to provide residualantimicrobial activity by several methods. Some non-limiting examplesinclude the following:

-   -   flood application in which the antimicrobial solution is poured        directly on the surface and the excess removed after a time        sufficient to disinfect the surface, for example from about 30        seconds to about 5 minutes, via a rag or cloth or by suction.    -   spray application from a low pressure applicator such as a        consumer spray bottle such as those offered by M. Jacob & Sons        (M. Jacob & Sons, 35601 Veronica, Livonia, Mich. 48150) with the        excess being removed after a time sufficient to disinfect the        surface, for example from about 30 seconds to about 5 minutes,        by wiping with a cloth or rag or via suction.    -   high pressure application through a pressure washing system such        as those provided by Karcher (Karcher North America, 750 W        Hampden Ave., Suite 400, Englewood, Colo. 80110) and removed        after a time sufficient to disinfect the surface, for example        from about 30 seconds to about 5 minutes, via rinsing or        suction.    -   clean-in-place technology that is used in the food and beverage        industry.    -   foam application directly to the surfaces and the excess removed        after a time sufficient to disinfect the surface, for example        from about 30 seconds to about 5 minutes, by wiping, or suction.

The antimicrobial solution can be applied to uncleaned surfaces thatcontain dirt, grime and biofilms in several methods and not removedafter application to provide residual antimicrobial activity. Some notlimiting examples of these include

-   -   flood application in which the antimicrobial solution is poured        directly on the surface and the excess removed after a time        sufficient to disinfect the surface, for example from about 30        seconds to about 5 minutes, via a rag or cloth or by suction.    -   spray application from a low pressure applicator such as a        consumer spray bottle such as those offered by M. Jacob & Sons        with the excess being removed after a time sufficient to        disinfect the surface, for example from about 30 seconds to        about 5 minutes, by wiping with a cloth or rag or via suction.    -   high pressure application through a pressure washing system such        as those provided by Karcher and removed after a time sufficient        to disinfect the surface, for example from about 30 seconds to        about 5 minutes, via wiping or suction.    -   clean-in-place technology that is used in the food and beverage        industry.    -   foam application directly to the surfaces and removed after the        a time sufficient to disinfect the surface, for example from        about 30 seconds to about 5 minutes, by wiping or suction.    -   part of the sterilization sequence for medical devices.    -   added to sonication baths, cleaning trays, and cleaning        apparatus for medical devices that are contaminated with human        body fluids and materials.    -   incorporated into dishwashing regimes to provide sanitation for        restaurant, institutional, hospitality, and catering operations.    -   animal carcass washes where the animal carcass is dipped in the        solution for a time sufficient to disinfect the surface, for        example from about 30 seconds to about 5 minutes, and then        removed.    -   general fruit and vegetable wash in which the fruit and        vegetables are sprayed or immersed in the solution for a time        sufficient to disinfect the surface, for example from about 30        seconds to about 5 minutes, and then further processed.    -   application by lavage as part of medical procedures to exterior        and interior surfaces of the human body that may become exposed        to microorganisms, such as skin surfaces, especially in and        around wounds, the thoracic cavity, the abdominal cavity,        synovial spaces, urinary bladder, lungs, sinus cavities,        external auditory canal, oral pharynx, pericardial space, and        the like.

In contrast to the common practice used to treat and remove or reducemicrobial, yeast, mold, fungus, virus, contamination, namely a 4-stepcleaning process, the method disclosed in the current inventioncomprises only the application of the composition at ambienttemperatures and optional rinsing and wiping of the surface with a clothor other absorbent material. As shown by the results in the experimentalsection, antimicrobial action occurs within minutes of application.

E. Aspects of the Disclosed Methods

Aspects of the present invention disclose one or more methods forcleaning, a time sufficient to disinfect the surface, for example fromabout 30 seconds to about 5 minutes, disinfecting and treatment ofsurfaces with antimicrobial compositions, as well as the compositionsthemselves. This includes surfaces in which a biofilm is present.

The invention includes as least the following aspects:

Aspect 1: A method of cleaning a surface comprising contacting saidsurface with a composition comprising

-   -   an organic surfactant comprising a blend of C₄-C₂₄ saturated and        unsaturated fatty acid salts, such that the blend comprises at        least about 1-6% C₆-C₁₀ fatty acids salts, and at least about        30% C₁₂-C₁₄ fatty acid salts; and    -   an organic acid selected from the group consisting of citric        acid, tartaric acid, lactic acid and malic acid.

Aspect 2: A method of disinfecting a surface comprising contacting saidsurface with a composition comprising

-   -   an organic surfactant comprising a blend of C₄-C₂₄ saturated and        unsaturated fatty acid salts, such that the blend comprises at        least about 1-6% C₆-C₁₀ fatty acids salts, and at least about        30% C₁₂-C₁₄ fatty acid salts; and    -   an organic acid selected from the group consisting of citric        acid, tartaric acid, lactic acid and malic acid.

Aspect 3: The method of aspects 1-2 where the C₆-C₁₀ fatty acids saltsare a blend of caproic, caprylic and capric acid salts.

Aspect 4: The method of aspect 1-2 where the C₁₂-C₁₄ fatty acid saltsare a blend of lauric and myristic acid salts.

Aspect 5: The method of aspects 1-2 where the C₆-C₁₀ fatty acids saltsare a blend of caproic, caprylic and capric acid salts and where theC₁₂-C₁₄ fatty acid salts are a blend of lauric and myristic acid salts.

Aspect 6: A method of cleaning a surface comprising contacting saidsurface with a composition comprising

-   -   an organic surfactant derived from the saponification of one or        more natural oils and comprising at least about 1-6% caproic,        caprylic and capric acid salts, and at least about 30% lauric        and myristic acid salts; and    -   an organic acid selected from the group consisting of citric        acid, tartaric acid, lactic acid and malic acid.

Aspect 7: A method of disinfecting a surface comprising contacting saidsurface with a composition comprising

-   -   an organic surfactant derived from the saponification of one or        more natural oils and comprising at least about 1-6% caproic,        caprylic and capric acid salts, and at least about 30% lauric        and myristic acid salts; and    -   an organic acid selected from the group consisting of citric        acid, tartaric acid, lactic acid and malic acid.

Aspect 8: The method of any of aspects 1-7 where a biofilm is present onthe surface.

Aspect 9: The method of any of aspects 1-8 for the control of grampositive bacteria, gram negative bacteria, viruses, yeast and molds.

Aspect 10: The method of aspect 9 where the gram positive bacteria, gramnegative bacteria, viruses, yeast and molds exist in the presence ofbiofilms, or are incorporated into biofilms.

Aspect 11: The methods of any of aspects 1-10 further comprising thesteps of rinsing of the surface and removal of the excess solution.

Aspect 12: The methods of any of aspects 1-11 where the organic acid iscitric acid.

Aspect 13: The methods of any of aspects 1-12 where the natural oils areselected from coconut oil or palm oil.

Aspect 14: The methods of any of aspects 1-13 where the contacting ofthe surface by the composition is achieved by means of a low pressureapplicator or a pressure washer.

Aspect 15: The methods of any of aspects 1-14 where the contacting ofthe surface by the composition is achieved by means of Clean-In-Placetechnology.

Aspect 16: The methods of any of aspects 1-15 where the surface isselected from a metallic, textile, plastic, glass, composite, plantmaterial and protein surface.

Aspect 17: The method of aspect 16 where the surface is selected from asurface in the food and beverage industry.

Aspect 18: A method of removing a biofilm from a surface comprisingcontacting said surface with a composition comprising

-   -   an organic surfactant comprising a blend of C₄-C₂₄ saturated and        unsaturated fatty acid salts, such that the blend comprises at        least about 1-6% C₆-C₁₀ fatty acids salts, and at least about        30% C₁₂-C₁₄ fatty acid salts; and    -   an organic acid selected from the group consisting of citric        acid, tartaric acid, lactic acid and malic acid.

Aspect 19: The method of aspect 18 where the C₆-C₁₀ fatty acids saltsare a blend of caproic, caprylic and capric acid salts.

Aspect 20: The method of aspect 18 where the C₁₂-C₁₄ fatty acid saltsare a blend of lauric and myristic acid salts.

Aspect 21: The method of aspect 18 where the C₆-C₁₀ fatty acids saltsare a blend of caproic, caprylic and capric acid salts and where theC₁₂-C₁₄ fatty acid salts are a blend of lauric and myristic acid salts.

Aspect 22: The method of any of aspects 1-21 wherein the components ofthe composition are generally regarded as safe (GRAS) by the US FDA foruse on food.

Aspect 23: The method of any of aspects 1-21 wherein the components ofthe composition are acceptable under the regulations of the USDANational Organic Production (NOP).

Aspect 24: An antimicrobial composition consisting essentially of

-   -   an organic surfactant comprising a blend of C₄-C₂₄ saturated and        unsaturated fatty acid salts, such that the blend comprises at        least about 1-6% C₆-C₁₀ fatty acids salts, and at least about        30% C₁₂-C₁₄ fatty acid salts; and    -   an organic acid selected from the group consisting of citric        acid, tartaric acid, lactic acid and malic acid.

Aspect 25: The composition of aspect 24 where the C₆-C₁₀ fatty acidssalts are a blend of caproic, caprylic and capric acid salts.

Aspect 26: The composition of aspect 24 where the C₁₂-C₁₄ fatty acidsalts are a blend of lauric and myristic acid salts.

Aspect 27: The composition of aspect 24 where the C₆-C₁₀ fatty acidssalts are a blend of caproic, caprylic and capric acid salts and wherethe C₁₂-C₁₄ fatty acid salts are a blend of lauric and myristic acidsalts.

Aspect 28: An antimicrobial composition consisting essentially of

-   -   an organic surfactant comprising a blend of C₄-C₂₄ saturated and        unsaturated fatty acid salts, such that the blend comprises at        least about 1-6% C₆-C₁₀ fatty acids salts, and at least about        30% C₁₂-C₁₄ fatty acid salts;    -   an organic acid selected from the group consisting of citric        acid, tartaric acid, lactic acid and malic acid; and    -   water.

Aspect 29: The composition of aspect 28 where the C₆-C₁₀ fatty acidssalts are a blend of caproic, caprylic and capric acid salts.

Aspect 30: The composition of aspect 28 where the C₁₂-C₁₄ fatty acidsalts are a blend of lauric and myristic acid salts.

Aspect 31: The composition of aspect 28 where the C₆-C₁₀ fatty acidssalts are a blend of caproic, caprylic and capric acid salts and wherethe C₁₂-C₁₄ fatty acid salts are a blend of lauric and myristic acidsalts.

Aspect 32: An antimicrobial composition consisting essentially of

-   -   from about 0.5% to about 10% saponified coconut oil as the        sodium or potassium salt;    -   from about 1.0% to about 50% citric acid; and    -   from about 40% to about 99% water.

Aspect 33: An antimicrobial composition consisting essentially of

-   -   about 2% saponified coconut oil as the sodium or potassium salt;    -   about 10% citric acid; and    -   about 88% water.

Aspect 34: An antimicrobial solid composition consisting essentially of

-   -   from about 0.5% to about 20% of an organic surfactant comprising        at least 1-6% caproic, caprylic and capric acid salts, and at        least about 30% lauric and myristic acid salts; and    -   from about 1.0-99.5% citric acid.

Aspect 35: An antimicrobial solid composition consisting essentially of

-   -   about 17% saponified coconut oil as the sodium or potassium        salt; and    -   about 83% citric acid.

Aspect 36: The composition of any of aspects 24-36 wherein thecomponents of the composition are generally regarded as safe (GRAS) bythe US FDA for use on food.

Aspect 37: The composition of any of aspects 24-37 wherein thecomponents of the composition are acceptable under the regulations ofthe USDA National Organic Production (NOP).

F. Experimental

The following examples are put forth so as to provide those of ordinaryskill in the art with a complete disclosure and description of how thecompounds, compositions, articles, devices and/or methods claimed hereinare made and evaluated, and are intended to be purely exemplary of theinvention and are not intended to limit the scope of what the inventorsregard as their invention. Efforts have been made to ensure accuracywith respect to numbers (e.g., amounts, temperature, etc.), but someerrors and deviations should be accounted for. Unless indicatedotherwise, parts are parts by weight, temperature is in ° C. or is atambient temperature, and pressure is at or near atmospheric.

Methods for preparing the compounds of this invention are illustrated inthe following Examples. Starting materials and the requisiteintermediates are in some cases commercially available, or can beprepared according to literature procedures or as illustrated herein.

The Examples are provided herein to illustrate the invention, and shouldnot be construed as limiting the invention in any way.

1. General Methods

General Methods of Preparation of the Compositions

Organic acids (citric, tartaric, lactic and malic acid), the individualsurfactants (sodium salts of caproic, caprylic, capric, lauric andmyristic acid), or the surfactants derived from saponified naturalproduct oils, (e.g., the sodium salts of saponified coconut or palm oil)were obtained from commercial sources. Aqueous blends of thesecomponents were prepared by physical mixing. Aliquots were removed fortesting for efficacy against biofilms.

General Methods of Antimicrobial Testing of the Compositions forEfficacy against Biofilms

Testing of the compositions was carried out by MMDG: Life ScienceLaboratories, 7500 West Henrietta Road, Rush, N.Y. 14543.

Testing was performed in a standard Microbiological laboratory employingstandard techniques for handling BSL2 microorganisms. Standard PPE andfacility notifications per MMDG procedures were followed.

The following procedures are used to test the antimicrobial efficacy ofthe compositions as prepared in the Examples below with a contact timesof 30 seconds, 1, 5, and 10 minutes and challenged against separateartificially produced biofilm derived from Escherichia coli andSalmonella spp. and Staphylococcus aureus.

Test Surface: Biofilms were developed on borosilicate glass coupons(disks).

Control Articles: Coupons (disks) were exposed to all aspects ofpreparation including microbial challenge alongside the test surfaceswhich were exposed to the test article. These surfaces were testedwithout exposure to the antimicrobial.

Equipment and Materials: The following materials were used as needed:

Trypticase Soy Agar (TSA)

Trypticase Soy Broth (TSB)

Sterile Diluent

Dey-Eng ley Neutralizing Broth (DEB) or equivalent

Spectrophotometer

Colony Counter

Incubators: 30-35° C. and 45-50° C.

Pipette aid

Vortex

CDC Bioreactor

Peristaltic Pump

Sterile tubing

BioSafety Cabinet

Escherichia coli ATCC #, and Salmonella

General Microbiological glassware and equipment

TS Saline

References: The following serve as references for carrying out thetesting using standard procedures:

-   -   1. Official Methods of Analysis of AOAC International, 18th        edition, 2005    -   2. Current edition of the United States Pharmacopeia    -   3. USP <51> Antimicrobial Effectiveness Testing    -   4. M-060: Challenge Microorganism Preparation, Harvesting and        Spectrophotometric Determination    -   5. S-050.1: General Procedure for Inoculation of Product    -   6. ASTM E2562-07Standard Test Method for Quantification of        Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilm Grown with High Shear and        Continuous Flow using CDC Biofilm Reactor.

Example 1. Preparation of Aqueous Composition 1

A blend of saponified coconut oil (2 wt %) and citric acid (10 wt %) wasprepared in water (88 wt %) and agitated for 10 min at 20° C. Thematerial was homogeneous.

Example 2. Preparation of Additional Aqueous Compositions

Using the identical method described in Example 1 above the compositionsappearing in Table 1 are similarly prepared:

TABLE 1 Compo- sition Percentage Percentage Water No. Acid (w/w)Surfactant (w/w) (w/w) 2 Tartaric Acid 1.0% Saponified 0.5% 98.5%Coconut Oil 3 Tartaric Acid   2% Saponified 0.5% 97.5% Coconut Oil 4Tartaric Acid   3% Saponified 0.5% 96.5% Coconut Oil 5 Tartaric Acid  5% Saponified 1.0%   94% Coconut Oil 6 Tartaric Acid   8% Saponified1.0%   91% Coconut Oil 7 Tartaric Acid  10% Saponified   2%   88%Coconut Oil 8 Tartaric Acid  15% Saponified   2%   83% Coconut Oil 9Tartaric Acid  20% Saponified   2%   78% Coconut Oil 10 Tartaric Acid 30% Saponified   5%   65% Coconut Oil 11 Tartaric Acid  40% Saponified  8%   52% Coconut Oil 12 Tartaric Acid  50% Saponified  10%   40%Coconut Oil 13 Malic Acid 1.0% Saponified 0.5% 98.5% Coconut Oil 14Malic Acid   2% Saponified 0.5% 97.5% Coconut Oil 15 Malic Acid   3%Saponified 0.5% 96.5% Coconut Oil 16 Malic Acid   5% Saponified 1.0%  94% Coconut Oil 17 Malic Acid   8% Saponified 1.0%   91% Coconut Oil18 Malic Acid  10% Saponified   2%   88% Coconut Oil 19 Malic Acid  15%Saponified   2%   83% Coconut Oil 20 Malic Acid  20% Saponified   2%  78% Coconut Oil 21 Malic Acid  30% Saponified   5%   65% Coconut Oil22 Malic Acid  40% Saponified   8%   52% Coconut Oil 23 Malic Acid  50%Saponified  10%   40% Coconut Oil 24 Citric Acid 1.0% Saponified 0.5%98.5% Coconut Oil 25 Citric Acid   2% Saponified 0.5% 97.5% Coconut Oil26 Citric Acid   3% Saponified 0.5% 96.5% Coconut Oil 27 Citric Acid  5% Saponified 1.0%   94% Coconut Oil 28 Citric Acid   8% Saponified1.0%   91% Coconut Oil 29 Citric Acid  10% Saponified   2%   88% CoconutOil 30 Citric Acid  15% Saponified   2%   83% Coconut Oil 31 Citric Acid 20% Saponified   2%   78% Coconut Oil 32 Citric Acid  30% Saponified  5%   65% Coconut Oil 33 Citric Acid  40% Saponified   8%   52% CoconutOil 34 Citric Acid  50% Saponified  10%   40% Coconut Oil 35 Lactic Acid1.0% Saponified 0.5% 98.5% Coconut Oil 36 Lactic Acid   2% Saponified0.5% 97.5% Coconut Oil 37 Lactic Acid   3% Saponified 0.5% 96.5% CoconutOil 38 Lactic Acid   5% Saponified 1.0%   94% Coconut Oil 39 Lactic Acid  8% Saponified 1.0%   91% Coconut Oil 40 Lactic Acid  10% Saponified  2%   88% Coconut Oil 41 Lactic Acid  15% Saponified   2%   83% CoconutOil 42 Lactic Acid  20% Saponified   2%   78% Coconut Oil 43 Lactic Acid 30% Saponified   5%   65% Coconut Oil 44 Lactic Acid  40% Saponified  8%   52% Coconut Oil 45 Lactic Acid  50% Saponified  10%   40% CoconutOil 46 Tartaric Acid 1.0% Saponified 0.5% 98.5% Palm Oil 47 TartaricAcid   2% Saponified 0.5% 97.5% Palm Oil 48 Tartaric Acid   3%Saponified 0.5% 96.5% Palm Oil 49 Tartaric Acid   5% Saponified 1.0%  94% Palm Oil 50 Tartaric Acid   8% Saponified 1.0%   91% Palm Oil 51Tartaric Acid  10% Saponified   2%   88% Palm Oil 52 Tartaric Acid  15%Saponified   2%   83% Palm Oil 53 Tartaric Acid  20% Saponified   2%  78% Palm Oil 54 Tartaric Acid  30% Saponified   5%   65% Palm Oil 55Tartaric Acid  40% Saponified   8%   52% Palm Oil 56 Tartaric Acid  50%Saponified  10%   40% Palm Oil 57 Malic Acid 1.0% Saponified 0.5% 98.5%Palm Oil 58 Malic Acid   2% Saponified 0.5% 97.5% Palm Oil 59 Malic Acid  3% Saponified 0.5% 96.5% Palm Oil 60 Malic Acid   5% Saponified 1.0%  94% Palm Oil 61 Malic Acid   8% Saponified 1.0%   91% Palm Oil 62Malic Acid  10% Saponified   2%   88% Palm Oil 63 Malic Acid  15%Saponified   2%   83% Palm Oil 64 Malic Acid  20% Saponified   2%   78%Palm Oil 65 Malic Acid  30% Saponified   5%   65% Palm Oil 66 Malic Acid 40% Saponified   8%   52% Palm Oil 67 Malic Acid  50% Saponified  10%  40% Palm Oil 68 Citric Acid 1.0% Saponified 0.5% 98.5% Palm Oil 69Citric Acid   2% Saponified 0.5% 97.5% Palm Oil 70 Citric Acid   3%Saponified 0.5% 96.5% Palm Oil 71 Citric Acid   5% Saponified 1.0%   94%Palm Oil 72 Citric Acid   8% Saponified 1.0%   91% Palm Oil 73 CitricAcid  10% Saponified   2%   88% Palm Oil 74 Citric Acid  15% Saponified  2%   83% Palm Oil 75 Citric Acid  20% Saponified   2%   78% Palm Oil76 Citric Acid  30% Saponified   5%   65% Palm Oil 77 Citric Acid  40%Saponified   8%   52% Palm Oil 78 Citric Acid  50% Saponified  10%   40%Palm Oil 79 Lactic Acid 1.0-50% Saponified 0.5%-10% 40%-99% Palm Oil 80Lactic Acid 1.0% Saponified 0.5% 98.5% Palm Oil 81 Lactic Acid   2%Saponified 0.5% 97.5% Palm Oil 82 Lactic Acid   3% Saponified 0.5% 96.5%Palm Oil 83 Lactic Acid   5% Saponified 1.0%   94% Palm Oil 84 LacticAcid   8% Saponified 1.0%   91% Palm Oil 85 Lactic Acid  10% Saponified  2%   88% Palm Oil 86 Lactic Acid  15% Saponified   2%   83% Palm Oil87 Lactic Acid  20% Saponified   2%   78% Palm Oil 88 Lactic Acid  30%Saponified   5%   65% Palm Oil 89 Lactic Acid  40% Saponified   8%   52%Palm Oil 90 Lactic Acid  50% Saponified  10%   40% Palm Oil

Example 3. Preparation of Solid Compositions

The compositions are be prepared as solids by physically mixing theindividual solid components in the proportions shown, or by spray dryingan aqueous solution containing the components that have been premixed toprovide final the proportions shown. The resulting solid composition isa formulation that is readily dilutable in water and thus reduces thecost of transportation. These solid compositions can also be used toprepare dry powders or sachets that dissolve in the presence of waterprior to use, and as a component of antimicrobial kits.

Representative examples appear in Table 2.

TABLE 2 Composition Percentage Percentage No. Acid (w/w) Surfactant(w/w) 91 Tartaric Acid 1.0    Saponified 0.5% Coconut Oil 92 TartaricAcid 10% Saponified   2% Coconut Oil 93 Tartaric Acid 20% Saponified  3% Coconut Oil 94 Tartaric Acid 30% Saponified   4% Coconut Oil 95Tartaric Acid 40% Saponified   8% Coconut Oil 96 Tartaric Acid 50%Saponified  10% Coconut Oil 97 Tartaric Acid 60% Saponified  15% CoconutOil 98 Tartaric Acid 70% Saponified  18% Coconut Oil 99 Tartaric Acid80% Saponified  20% Coconut Oil 100 Tartaric Acid 90% Saponified  10%Coconut Oil 101 Lactic Acid 1.0    Saponified 0.5% Coconut Oil 102Lactic Acid 10% Saponified   2% Coconut Oil 103 Lactic Acid 20%Saponified   3% Coconut Oil 104 Lactic Acid 30% Saponified   4% CoconutOil 105 Lactic Acid 40% Saponified   8% Coconut Oil 106 Lactic Acid 50%Saponified  10% Coconut Oil 107 Lactic Acid 60% Saponified  15% CoconutOil 108 Lactic Acid 70% Saponified  18% Coconut Oil 109 Lactic Acid 80%Saponified  20% Coconut Oil 110 Lactic Acid 90% Saponified  10% CoconutOil 111 Malic Acid 1.0    Saponified 0.5% Coconut Oil 112 Malic Acid 10%Saponified   2% Coconut Oil 113 Malic Acid 20% Saponified   3% CoconutOil 114 Malic Acid 30% Saponified   4% Coconut Oil 115 Malic Acid 40%Saponified   8% Coconut Oil 116 Malic Acid 50% Saponified  10% CoconutOil 117 Malic Acid 60% Saponified  15% Coconut Oil 118 Malic Acid 70%Saponified  18% Coconut Oil 119 Malic Acid 80% Saponified  20% CoconutOil 120 Malic Acid 90% Saponified  10% Coconut Oil 121 Citric Acid1.0    Saponified 0.5% Coconut Oil 122 Citric Acid 10% Saponified   2%Coconut Oil 123 Citric Acid 20% Saponified   3% Coconut Oil 124 CitricAcid 30% Saponified   4% Coconut Oil 125 Citric Acid 40% Saponified   8%Coconut Oil 126 Citric Acid 50% Saponified  10% Coconut Oil 127 CitricAcid 60% Saponified  15% Coconut Oil 128 Citric Acid 70% Saponified  18%Coconut Oil 129 Citric Acid 80% Saponified  20% Coconut Oil 130 CitricAcid 90% Saponified  10% Coconut Oil 131 Tartaric Acid 1.0    SaponifiedPalm 0.5% Oil 132 Tartaric Acid 10% Saponified Palm   2% Oil 133Tartaric Acid 20% Saponified Palm   3% Oil 134 Tartaric Acid 30%Saponified Palm   4% Oil 135 Tartaric Acid 40% Saponified Palm   8% Oil136 Tartaric Acid 50% Saponified Palm  10% Oil 137 Tartaric Acid 60%Saponified Palm  15% Oil 138 Tartaric Acid 70% Saponified Palm  18% Oil139 Tartaric Acid 80% Saponified Palm  20% Oil 140 Tartaric Acid 90%Saponified Palm  10% Oil 141 Lactic Acid 1.0    Saponified Palm 0.5% Oil142 Lactic Acid 10% Saponified Palm   2% Oil 143 Lactic Acid 20%Saponified Palm   3% Oil 144 Lactic Acid 30% Saponified Palm   4% Oil145 Lactic Acid 40% Saponified Palm   8% Oil 146 Lactic Acid 50%Saponified Palm  10% Oil 146 Lactic Acid 60% Saponified Palm  15% Oil148 Lactic Acid 70% Saponified Palm  18% Oil 149 Lactic Acid 80%Saponified Palm  20% Oil 150 Lactic Acid 90% Saponified Palm  10% Oil151 Malic Acid 1.0    Saponified Palm 0.5% Oil 152 Malic Acid 10%Saponified Palm   2% Oil 153 Malic Acid 20% Saponified Palm   3% Oil 154Malic Acid 30% Saponified Palm   4% Oil 155 Malic Acid 40% SaponifiedPalm   8% Oil 156 Malic Acid 50% Saponified Palm  10% Oil 157 Malic Acid60% Saponified Palm  15% Oil 158 Malic Acid 70% Saponified Palm  18% Oil159 Malic Acid 80% Saponified Palm  20% Oil 160 Malic Acid 90%Saponified Palm  10% Oil 161 Citric Acid 1.0    Saponified Palm 0.5% Oil162 Citric Acid 10% Saponified Palm   2% Oil 163 Citric Acid 20%Saponified Palm   3% Oil 164 Citric Acid 30% Saponified Palm   4% Oil165 Citric Acid 40% Saponified Palm   8% Oil 166 Citric Acid 50%Saponified Palm  10% Oil 167 Citric Acid 60% Saponified Palm  15% Oil168 Citric Acid 70% Saponified Palm  18% Oil 169 Citric Acid 80%Saponified Palm  20% Oil 170 Citric Acid 90% Saponified Palm  10% Oil

Example 4. Evaluation of the Compositions

The evaluation procedure included the following steps:

1. Challenge Organism Preparation

A sterile swab of each challenge organism was aseptically taken fromstock cultures maintained at 2-8° C. and aseptically transferred tosterile TSA slants. The fresh slants were incubated at 30-35° C. for18-24 hours.

Ten (10) ml of TS saline was pipetted into each slant subsequent toincubation and the growth mechanically dislodged with a sterilecotton-tipped applicator. The suspension was transferred to a sterile 50ml polypropylene centrifuge tube. The suspension was washed bycentrifugation at 4,000×g for 8-10 minutes. The supernatant was decantedand the pellet suspended in 10 ml of saline TS. The suspension waswashed a second time, and suspended in 10 ml of saline TS. The organismconcentration was adjusted to -108 colony forming units (cfu)/ml basedon MMDG historical % T₆₂₀ nm spectrophotometer values.

2. Biofilm Generation; CDC Reactor Set and Operation

Coupon preparation: coupons were wiped with sterile 70% IPA to ensurethat no residual oils remained on their surface following handling. Thereactor was filled to its working volume with 300 mg/L TSB andsterilized in a standard 20-minute liquid steam cycle. The reactor wasallowed to cool to room temperature.

Nutritive growth medium (TSB) was prepared at 100 mg/L and sterilized.The reactor was acclimated to room temperature. Using sterile tubing,the reactor was attached to the source of growth medium. A peristalticpump was placed between the reactor and the media source to modulate theflow rate. Waste was collected in a separate vessel. Sixteen (16)coupons were placed into the reactor representing controls and twelvetest surfaces (four each) for each of 3 antimicrobial challenges.

The reactor was seeded with one (1) ml of the challenge organism and,operated statically (batch phase) for 24±8 hours. The peristaltic pumpwas turned on following the static operation and the reactor was run incontinuous flow mode for an additional 24±8 hours at room temperature.

3. Antimicrobial Challenge

Each coupon was removed from the reactor and rinsed gently with sterileTS Saline to remove loosely adhered and planktonic cells. Coupons wereplaced individually into sterile glass beakers containing 10 ml of thetest article. The coupons will be allowed to incubate in theantimicrobial solution at ambient temperature for 30 seconds, one (1),five (5), and ten (10) minutes. Following exposure to the test article,coupons were removed from their respective beakers and placed into 10 mlof sterile DEB in a glass test tube to neutralize the antimicrobial andstop the reaction.

4. Microorganism Recovery

The organisms were removed from the test surfaces and controls throughsonication for 20 minutes at room temperature followed by thoroughmixing. Serial dilutions of the recovered organisms were performed; 1.0ml samples of the serial dilutions were plated in duplicate andoverpoured with sterile TSA. Plates were incubated under aerobicconditions at 30-35° C. for 3 to 5 days and the recovered organismsquantified.

5. Controls

Recovery Medium Control, Note: applies to liquid suspensions only.

The antimicrobial was diluted 1:10 in DEB. A control sample was preparedusing 10 ml of TSB. Both tubes were inoculated with approximately 100cfu of the challenge organism. One (1) ml samples were plated induplicate and the recovery in the neutralized medium was compared tothat in the TSB Control.

6. Inoculation Control:

The aerobic population of the inoculum will be verified at the time oftesting through standard plate count.

7. Calculations

The difference between the log number of microorganisms on thenon-treated (no exposure to antimicrobial) materials and that of thecorresponding materials exposed to the antimicrobial indicates thereduction in log units.Log reduction unit=Log A−Log B

Log A=the log number of microorganisms harvested from the non-treatedcontrol materials.

Log B=the log number of microorganisms harvested from the correspondingmaterials exposed to the antimicrobial.

Composition 1 was tested for efficacy with a targeted criteria of a 3log reduction in the number of microorganism versus control samples.

As shown in Table 3, the recovery of the microorganism challenge for allthree analyses was greater than 50% indicating that the neutralizationscheme used in this analysis was effective.

TABLE 3 Recovery Medium Control (RMC) Organism Control CFU AverageNeutralizer CFU Average % recovery E. coli TSB 122 147 135 DEB 109 128119 88 Salmonella TSB 78 86 82 DEB 66 70 68 83 S. aureus TSB 39 46 43DEB 34 50 42 99

Example 5. Efficacy Against Escherichia Coli

Composition 1 was tested against Escherichia Coli and showed efficacyafter a 5 min period. The results appear in Table 4 and in FIG. 1.

TABLE 4 Escherichia coli CFU CFU CFU Average × Sample Dilution recovered#1 recovered #2 recovered #3 Average Dilution Control 1.00E+04 51 46 3369 48 63 52 5.17E+05 30 sec 1.00E+02 79 77 103 94 88 73 86 8.57E+03 1min 1.00E+01 99 81 106 101 97 93 96 9.62E+02 5 min 1.00E+00 0 0 0 0 0 00 0.00E+00 10 min 1.00E+00 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00E+00

Example 6. Efficacy Against Salmonella Spp

Composition 1 was tested against Salmonella spp and showed efficacyafter a 5 min period. The results appear in Table 5 and in FIG. 2.

TABLE 5 Salmonella spp CFU CFU CFU Average × Sample Dilution recovered#1 recovered #2 recovered #3 Average Dilution Control 1.00E+04 51 39 106101 60 78 73 7.25E+05 1 min 1.00E+01 269 301 312 319 285 270 2932.93E+03 5 min 1.00E+00 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00E+00 10 min  1.00E+00 0 0 0 00 0 0 0.00E+00

Example 7. Efficacy Against Staphylococcus Aureus

Composition 1 was tested against Staphylococcus aureus and showed logreductions after a 5 min period. The results appear in Table 6 and inFIG. 3.

TABLE 6 Staphylococcus aureus: CFU CFU CFU Average × Sample Dilutionrecovered #1 recovered #2 recovered #3 Average Dilution Control 1.00E+04194 171 156 183 180 166 175 1.75E+06 1 min 1.00E+01 144 157 130 139 155142 145 1.45E+03 5 min 1.00E+00 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00E+00 10 min  1.00E+000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00E+00

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made in the present inventionwithout departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Otherembodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in theart from consideration of the specification and practice of theinvention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification andexamples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spiritof the invention being indicated by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of reducing bacteria in a biofilm on abiofilm-containing environmental surface; wherein the environmentalsurface is a washable, nonporous surface; the method comprisingcontacting the environmental surface with an aqueous compositioncomprising an organic surfactant derived from the saponification of oneor more natural oils consisting essentially of at least 1-6% caproic,caprylic and capric acid salts, and at least 30% lauric and myristicacid salts; and wherein the organic surfactant and citric acid are eachpresent in sufficient amounts to achieve at least a 3 log reduction(99.9%) of bacteria on the biofilm-containing environmental surfacewithin two minutes or less.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein theenvironmental surface is on medical machines or medical devices.
 3. Themethod of claim 1 wherein the environmental surface is on foodpreparation or food processing equipment and systems.
 4. The method ofclaim 1 wherein the environmental surface is a household surface.
 5. Themethod of claim 1 wherein the environmental surface is in facilitiesoccupied or traversed by animals.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein theenvironmental surface is on nonporous salon/barber tools andinstruments.
 7. The method of claim 1 where the nonporous surfaces areselected from metal, stainless steel, glazed porcelain, glazed ceramic,sealed stone, hard fiberglass plastic, glazed porcelain tiling,enameled, finished/sealed and painted woodwork, finished floors, plasticmelamine laminate, vinyl and plastic upholstery surfaces.
 8. The methodof claim 1 wherein contacting of the surface by the composition isachieved by means of Clean-In-Place technology.
 9. The method of claim1, the method further comprising the step of rinsing of the surface andremoval of the excess solution.
 10. The method of claim 1 wherein thebacteria is selected from gram positive bacteria and gram negativebacteria.
 11. The method of claim 1 where the natural oil is coconutoil.
 12. The method of claim 1 wherein the components of the compositionare generally regarded as safe (GRAS) by the US FDA for use on food orare acceptable under the regulations of the USDA National OrganicProduction (NOP).
 13. The method of claim 1 wherein the compositioncomprises from 0.5% to 10% saponified coconut oil as the sodium orpotassium salt; from 1.0% to 50% citric acid; and from 40% to 99% water.14. The method of claim 1 wherein the composition comprises a blend ofabout 2 wt % saponified coconut oil, about 10 wt % citric acid and about88 wt % water.
 15. The method of claim 1 wherein the contacting resultsin at least a 6 log reduction (99.9999%) of bacteria on thebiofilm-containing environmental surface within five minutes or less.16. The method of claim 1 wherein the bacteria are selected fromEscherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella spp.
 17. Amethod of removing biofilms from uncleaned environmental surfaces thatcontain dirt, grime and bacteria, the bacteria being incorporated into abiofilm, the method comprising the step of contacting the surface with acomposition comprising from about 0.5% to about 10% saponified coconutoil as the sodium or potassium salt; from about 1.0% to about 50% citricacid; and from about 40% to about 99% water, wherein the contactingresults in at least a 3 log reduction (99.9%) of bacteria from theuncleaned environmental surface within two minutes or less.
 18. A methodof removing biofilms from uncleaned environmental surfaces according toclaim 17 wherein the composition further comprises one or more inertconstituents including: water soluble and/or dispersible inerts, furthersurfactants, foaming agents and foam stabilizers, coloring agents,fragrances, fragrance adjuvants and/or fragrance solubilizers, viscositymodifying agents, pH adjusting agents, pH buffers, antioxidants, watersoftening agents, solubilizing agents or preservative compositions. 19.The method of claim 1 wherein the composition comprises from about 1.0%to about 2.0% saponified coconut oil as the sodium or potassium salt;from about 5.0% to about 15.0% citric acid; and from about 83% to about94% water.
 20. The method of claim 14 wherein the contacting results inat least a 6 log reduction (99.9999%) of bacteria from the uncleanedenvironmental surface-within two minutes or less.